5 Cool D.C. Movie Locations for Kids Not Interested in History

Do you want to visit Washington, D.C., with a family group? Unless your kids are history or politics buffs, they may not be excited about visiting the hallowed halls of the nation's capital. What about movies, though? If your kids relate more to movies and television than to government history or impressive architecture, take the whole family to share these iconic filming locations and movie connections while in town.

The White House is one of the most recognizable buildings in all the land, and it has an amazing history through wartime and peacetime. But if your little ones aren't too excited to see where the President works, remind them of how this building was cleverly blown up during the iconic scene in Independence Day .

This building - both inside and out - has featured in movies ranging from romantic comedies like "The American President" to the comics-based "X-Men 2". Everyone can learn something here.

What family hasn't watched National Treasure in the many years since its release? Your little ones can enter the famous Rotunda in the National Archives and view the very same copy of the Declaration of Independence famously stolen to save it from a nefarious plot. The museum and building appear in several pivotal scenes, so it should be recognizable to the whole family.

This film franchise, in fact, also provides a good background for the entire D.C. area to help keep smaller children interested in the landmarks. Look for appearances from the Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, and Library of Congress as well.

The collective museums of the Smithsonian have a wide variety of exhibits to keep the attention of both children and adults of all types. The National Museum of American History is a particular favorite for TV and movie buffs. You can view iconic props from the past (such as Dorothy's ruby slippers) and the present (including the X-Men films' iconic Wolverine claws).

Be sure to take your tiniest movie fans to see featured items from Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian at the National Air and Space Museum. The exhibits won't come to life no matter what time of day it is, but the whole family is sure to recognize movie favorites that include the Wright Flyer, Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega, and a Spitfire fighter aircraft.

Keep an eye out for helpful labels on some exhibits that were featured in the movie or inspired elements that made it onto the big screen. Museum staff can also help direct you and your kids to other Smithsonian exhibits with a connection.

There are few more well-known D.C. landmarks than the Lincoln Memorial, of course, and this memorial has been the site of many notable film scenes. Probably the most memorable for most families is the famous Forrest Gump scene at the reflecting pool opposite Lincoln's statue (just don't try to recreate it!).

The memorial itself has landed a role in family movies ranging from the Transformers series to Armageddon , and the nearby Washington Monument is most recently known for its role in the Spider-Man franchise.

Which of these iconic movie locations and props would thrill your kids the most? No matter what their interests or how young they are, Washington's landscape is filled with ways to engage and entertain the entire family.

Need more suggestions? A Jean's Bus Service Inc, we know Washington, D.C. and its surrounding neighborhoods well. We can help you plan the perfect itinerary to make everyone happy. Call today to learn more.